Linda Boyd

District: Glendora USDPosition Seeking: Governing Board Member

My family was very musical and I was gifted with natural harmonic ability. I also played piano and violin but my love was for singing. I sang duets with my sister at school events, in plays, at church and public events where we were invited to sing. Being invited to sing with a large reputable youth choir was the thrill of a lifetime that I will cherish forever. In addition to music I have a strong appreciation for great art and visit museums and exhibits when traveling. I see that my children have these same opportunities and use them.

Question 2: What kind of creative solutions would you suggest to support student outcomes such as English language development, closing the achievement gap, and preparation for college and/or meaningful careers?

The achievement gap can be closed by believing in the learning ability of all students, holding them all to high standards, and providing additional resources to that end. The new state funding formula focuses additional funding on ELL and minority students to improve their performance. I support vocational career training in addition to preparation for college. Many students want to begin their career after high school. We should support and develop training options transitioning students into careers as electricians, auto mechanics, government, or other meaningful and socially useful employment. We should help them make good choices in jobs and life.

Question 3: What do you think should be the role of the School Board in ensuring that students have access to a broad range of study?

It is critical that the School Board design the curriculum to ensure that students at all levels are given opportunities to participate in the arts. Budgets should include allowances for all areas of music and art to be offered and taught to students. The School Board should also offer opportunities for public performance as part of this curriculum and budget for this as well. It should be recognized that arts/music programs are important to each child’s education. As a school board Member, I will advocate for and encourage involvement with the arts as an essential component of a good education.

Question 4: In light of the Local Control Funding Formula and development of district Local Control Accountability Plans (LCAPs), what are your creative solutions for achieving goals in the eight priority areas?

The LCFF provides additional funding for ELLs, low income and foster youth. Those funds should be used for teaching resources directed squarely at those groups as required by the LCAP. One creative way to stimulate these students is though interaction with the arts. All children have some form of artistic ability and the arts are an alternative way to reach these kids and improve their academic performance. By integrating the performing and visual arts into the enriched educational curriculum funded by concentration grants in LCFF and woven into the LCAP for these target groups, we improve their lives/performance.